Workplace charity is showing rebound

CHICAGO -- As 2008 drew to a close, Family Rescue knew it would have to dig in for several hard months.

CHICAGO -- As 2008 drew to a close, Family Rescue knew it would have to dig in for several hard months.

The weak economy had dealt a heavy blow to United Way of Metropolitan Chicago, a major funder of Family Rescue, which provides services to victims of domestic violence.

"We didn't feel the hit until this year, but we knew it was coming," said Stephanie Scott, director of human resources at Family Rescue. To prepare, the nonprofit organization left several vacant positions unfilled and streamlined some programs, hoping it could avoid big cuts in services.

Now, as companies wrap up their annual employee- giving campaigns, organizations such as Family Rescue are feeling a bit better. Family Rescue was able to rehire seven employees who were laid off this year, and because of an expected uptick in funding, it plans to add two positions.

"Right now, things seem to be a little bit more on the upswing," Scott said.

Employee-giving campaigns are undergoing a slow recovery after a rough 2008, when layoffs, tight budgets and economic malaise prompted a sharp pullback in corporate philanthropy. This year, giving isn't expected to match pre-recession levels, but many companies are noting an improvement in worker morale and their ability to donate.

Organizers of charitable campaigns also are tailoring their programs to fit the economic climate, emphasizing participation and volunteerism over financial contributions.

"There's been a different philosophy this year," said Rita Kusler, chief operating officer of the JK Group, a corporate-philanthropy consulting firm. "Some companies have not wanted to promote (giving campaigns) as strongly, thinking that people are exhausted."

Discover Financial Services has handled requests for financial donations with a light touch.

"We have moved away from fundraising activities for employees," said Matt Towson, senior manager of community affairs. "So, rather than ask employees to give to a certain charity, we have used volunteerism as a way to engage employees."

Discover did keep in place its workplace-giving campaign and saw donations rise 6 percent in dollar terms from 2008, Towson said. On the volunteer side, Discover is rewarding employees who log 24 hours of service with a $100 donation to any nonreligious or nonpolitical organization of their choice.

The firm also made September its volunteer month, with employees rehabbing schools and participating in other local beautification projects. In 2008, the first year of the program, 60 percent of the work force in Riverwoods, Ill., donated time. This year, participation rose to more than 70 percent, and the number of volunteer hours rose by more than 50 percent.

Before you click

Fraudulent charity schemes are plentiful during the holidays, with scammers seeking to take advantage of the giving season to impersonate legitimate organizations or steal

credit-card information through fake Web sites. Tips to make sure your money goes to the right place:

• Be wary of e-mails that contain links to sites asking for donations. It's safer to type the address of the organization's home page into your browser. And double-check your spelling. Many fake or "spoofed" Web sites use common misspellings and copied logos to fool consumers.

• If using a credit card online, make sure the Web address reads https:// -- the "s" means data is encrypted. There also should be an icon of a closed padlock in the lower right corner of the browser.

Source: Chicago Tribune research

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